Students will prepare, organize, and present a 30-minute powerpoint (for a Christian audience) demonstrating the harmony between science and the Bible, the origins of the cosmos, the origin of life, and/or the origin of humanity. The purpose of this assignment is to help students practice incorporating credible science into a public presentation.

Your presentation should include the following elements:

Content and presentation should be friendly toward unbelievers, even if its presented in a church context primarily to believers. In other words, the talk must illustrate the students use of concepts and principles learned during the class. The professor will grade the tone of the talk, including how well it exemplifies the principles of 1 Peter 3:15, including gentleness and respect toward others. Ask yourself: If a non-believer were to watch the talk, would they say that I handled the scientific content fairly and accurately? Was my tone respectful toward non-believers?
If the presentation is done in a church context, it does not need to be part of a regular service, but may be in a specially scheduled event or a Sunday School class.
Allow for an open question/answer time from the audience after your talk. This is a very important component of reaching evidence-oriented people.
Note: The production value of your presentation doesnt need to be as fancy as this. It will be graded primarily on tone and content.

 

 

Sample Answer

Sample Answer

 

 

 

Presentation Outline: Harmony Between Science and the Bible

Slide 1: Title Slide

– Title: Harmony Between Science and the Bible
– Subtitle: Exploring the Origins of the Cosmos, Life, and Humanity
– Presented by: [Your Name]
– Date: [Date of Presentation]

Slide 2: Introduction

– Purpose of the Presentation- To demonstrate the compatibility of scientific understanding with biblical teachings.
– To foster respectful dialogue between believers and non-believers.

– Importance of the Topic- Addressing common misconceptions about faith and science.
– Encouraging an open-minded exploration of both perspectives.

Slide 3: Understanding the Bible and Science

– Biblical Authority vs. Scientific Inquiry- The Bible as a spiritual guide; science as a method to understand the physical world.
– Both aim to uncover truth but operate in different realms.

– 1 Peter 3:15- “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”

Slide 4: The Origins of the Cosmos

– Big Bang Theory Overview- Brief explanation of the Big Bang theory as the leading scientific explanation for the universe’s origin.
– Key evidence: Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation, redshift of galaxies.

– Biblical Perspective- Genesis 1:1: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
– Harmony: Both perspectives acknowledge a beginning to the universe.

Slide 5: The Age of the Universe

– Scientific Findings- Estimated at approximately 13.8 billion years old based on astronomical observations.

– Theological Considerations- Different interpretations of “days” in Genesis (literal vs. metaphorical).
– Emphasis on God’s timelessness and sovereignty over creation.

Slide 6: The Origin of Life

– Abiogenesis vs. Creation- Scientific theories on how life may have originated from non-living matter.
– Key experiments (e.g., Miller-Urey experiment) that simulate early Earth conditions.

– Biblical Insight- Genesis 1:20-21: God creating living creatures.
– The concept that God is ultimately responsible for life’s origin, regardless of the scientific mechanisms involved.

Slide 7: The Origin of Humanity

– Evolutionary Theory Overview- Brief outline of human evolution based on fossil records and genetic evidence.

– Theological Perspectives- Genesis 1:26-27: Humans created in God’s image.
– Exploring possibilities for reconciling evolution with divine creation (e.g., theistic evolution).

Slide 8: Points of Agreement

– Common Ground Between Science and Faith- Both seek truth and understanding.
– Acknowledgment of a complex universe pointing towards intentional design.

– Encouragement for Dialogue- Engaging with non-believers respectfully; acknowledging their questions and doubts.

Slide 9: Addressing Common Misconceptions

– Myth: Science and faith are incompatible.
– Reality: They can coexist and enrich one another when approached thoughtfully.
– Call for Open-Mindedness- Encouragement to explore both scientific discoveries and biblical teachings.

Slide 10: Conclusion

– Summary of Key Points- Compatibility between scientific understanding and biblical truths regarding creation.

– Invitation for Further Exploration- Encouraging audience members to ask questions and seek deeper understanding.

Slide 11: Q&A Session

– Open Floor for Questions- Encourage respectful dialogue and inquiry.
– Remind attendees that all questions are welcome, and no question is too trivial.

Presentation Tips:

1. Tone & Attitude: Maintain a friendly, respectful tone throughout, especially when addressing differing viewpoints.
2. Engagement: Use relatable language and examples to make complex scientific concepts accessible to all audience members.
3. Visual Aids: Use diagrams or images where appropriate to illustrate points without overwhelming text on slides.

Final Note:

Prepare to listen actively during the Q&A, validating participants’ thoughts while gently guiding discussions back to core themes. Focus on building bridges rather than barriers, showcasing how faith can harmoniously coexist with science.

 

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